Experience The Arts in a Natural Setting

If you haven’t ventured into Kawarthas Northumberland, you don’t know what you’re missing. Just east of Toronto, this region attracts some of Ontario’s most vibrant arts and cultural communities. This area is known for its remarkable landscapes, from the rolling hills of Northumberland to the rugged beauty of the Canadian Shield and the picturesque Kawartha Lakes. Artists love to live & work here.

Profile: Westben

Westben is a not-for-profit performance arts centre in Campbellford.

Entering its 19th year, Westben is owned and operated by soprano Donna Bennett and pianist-composer Brian Finley. Bennett and Finley were recently awarded the Order of Canada in recognition for how they’ve created a “cultural cornerstone in rural Ontario.”

Westben’s gorgeous, green venue and custom-built barn.

Westben’s exciting 2018 season is a celebration of the performing arts and their unique connection with the natural world. They have secret concerts planned at unique, natural locations. They are also bringing in a remarkable list of talented performers, including:

Every Saturday starting June 30 Westben will host unique “Dare to Pair” events at which guests experience a connected story through both live musical performances and interactive tasting experiences with sommeliers and local celebrity chefs. Thefirst of these events will explore the world of Bach through narration, video, and live performance by Tafelmusik, Canada’s premiere Baroque Orchestra. Guests will also experience the tastes of Bach’s world with Sommelier Christopher Waters (Editor of VINES magazine) and Chef Tina Moorey of On the Side Gourmet.

Interested in more arts?

Use the following links to our Trip Planner to find your favourite art pieces in one of the many art galleries and shops. Meet the artists themselves. Discover one of a kind jewellery, unique pottery, and blown glass by local artisans. Round out your stay with a live music or theatre performance. Enjoy it all by taking a stroll in one of our quaint towns or wandering the trails beside a remote, water-front gallery.

These links to our Trip Planner have all the info you need to plan your next trip.

You couldn’t ask for a better playground to enjoy entertaining theatre, art galleries, freshwater fishing & delicious local food. Plus, we’ve got butter tarts! Get a taste of our region’s best and start making plans to visit.